TRAVEL FEATURE continued
pinnacle known to attract numerous pelagic species. Dhonfanu Thila features a dramatic pinnacle filled with soft corals and manta rays. Lhaviyani Atoll: Known for Kuredu Express, a high-speed
and treatment. Northern Atolls Summary
The Northern Atolls offer some of the best diving in the Maldives. While diving throughout the country is world-
drift dive featuring large groups of grey reef sharks, and for the two shipwrecks located in The Shipyard. The two wrecks are known as the Skipjack wrecks, or Skipjack I and II . These 40- year-old fishing vessels were from the Felivaru fish factory and sank in the 1980s after catching fire. The wrecks are popular for the concentration of marine life, including yellow sweepers, Napoleon wrasse, nurse sharks, and turtles. Also located in this atoll is Christmas Tree Thila, known for vibrant, multicolored soft corals that make the site re- semble a Christmas tree. This is an excellent site for macro pho- tography. Raa Atoll: Features pristine, less-crowded dive sites such as Reethi Beach, known for big pelagics and manta rays. Noonu and Haa Alifu Atolls: Known as the Far North, offering isolated, pristine diving with healthy coral formations, in- cluding sites such as Vagaaru Garden.
class, the Northern Atolls are more remote and less often vis- ited, which can make them feel more pristine. These atolls are famous for aggregations of large pelagics and spectacular reefs teeming with brilliantly colored marine life. For the magazine’s audience, the Northern Atolls are especially useful to position as a second- visit Maldives product, a man- ta-focused itinerary, or a pre- mium option for divers who want fewer boats and a more remote experience. Part Three: Introducing the Southern Atolls Traveling to the Southern Atolls of the Maldives – includ- ing Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Laamu, Fuvahmulah, and Addu – involves flying into Malé and then taking a domestic flight to regional airports such as Kood- hoo, Kaadedhdhoo, or Gan, fol- lowed in most cases by a speed- boat transfer. Koodhoo and Kaadedhdhoo in Gaafu Atoll are often used for diving trips. These are remote areas and are best explored via liveaboard diving charters or by staying at specialized resorts. Domestic flights are usually arranged through Maldivian Air- ways and are almost always co- ordinated through the traveler’s
As in the rest of the Maldives, diving is often done from a dhoni. Some liveaboards have smaller, separate dive boats that tag alongside or behind the main vessel for the duration of the trip, minimizing the clutter of gear on the main vessel and the noise from compressors. Most provide Nitrox and rental equipment. There are several decompression chambers located throughout the Maldives, but divers are strongly encouraged to carry dive accident insurance to cover the high costs of transport
hotel or dive operator. The Southern Atolls are far from Malé and offer untouched beaches and pristine diving far from the busier central region. Because the south is known for powerful, consistent swells, it is also a well-regarded surfing destination for advanced FORTY-FIVE | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
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